Rhodes' latest software release brings together a collection of three virtual pianos: a concert grand, an acoustic upright and a vintage electric grand. Said to present a collection of sounds that are rarely encountered outside of the world’s most renowned studios, concert halls and private collections, Pianology has been designed to kit composers, producers and performers out with a versatile set of instruments that deliver a realistic, expressive playing experience.
What’s Included?
There are three pianos included in Pianology, and Rhodes say that they were selected for their distinct tonal profiles, dynamic range and long-standing presence across recorded music. Each instrument was prepared the company's engineers before being captured by their sound design teams. Here’s a quick overview of what each instrument has to offer:
- Japanese Upright Piano: a widely respected U-series upright known for its bright, controlled tone and direct response. Its compact sound and focused midrange make it well suited to contemporary scoring, jazz and understated songwriting.
- American Grand Piano: a classic American concert grand with a broad dynamic range and a balanced tonal profile. Its harmonic depth and sustain support a wide range of playing styles, from solo piano repertoire to full ensemble arrangements.
- Japanese Electric Grand: a celebrated electro-acoustic piano featuring real strings and pickups, associated with the sounds of 1980s pop, rock and electronic music. Its direct signal path produces a clear, present tone that integrates easily into layered productions.
The plug-in also includes an array of sound-shaping tools. Global controls include Timbre Shift, Global Tune, Mechanical Noise and Lid Position for the grand piano, allowing users to adjust the instrument’s tonal balance, tuning reference and acoustic behaviour. An integrated Amp and Mic section then provides access to a selection of amplifier models and microphone choices derived from Rhodes V8 Pro, delivering both natural acoustic recreations and more processed, amplified tones.
Additional processing includes compression, EQ, modulation, delay, stereo tremolo, panning and a selection of Rhodes reverbs, including the new Stage and Arena reverb modes; the tremolo effect is based on the Vintage Grand's circuitry. Velocity curve and depth controls then make it possible to tweak the playing response to suit different controllers and performance styles.
“Building on the worldwide success of V8 Pro, Wurli, and Anthology, Pianology marks the next chapter in our evolving Rhodes sound library. With three carefully prepared and deeply sampled pianos, Pianology is designed for expressive playability, organic tone, and a close connection between player and instrument. Paired with our effects engine and sound-shaping tools, Pianology reflects Rhodes’ approach to tone and expressivity, placing the playing experience at the heart of the sound.” - Dan Goldman, Chief Product Officer, Rhodes
Compatibility
Pianology is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 11 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Pianology is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $104.95£99.95 / €109.95 until 7 April 2026, when it will increase to $149.95£139.95 / €159.95. GBP prices include VAT.
